Conlans tip Belfast for ‘golden age’ of pro boxing

By itv.com

Jamie and Michael Conlan have high hopes for the future success of Belfast’s boxers. Credit: UTV

Belfast’s boxing brothers Michael and Jamie Conlan are tipping the city to provide plenty of world champions in the months ahead.

Mick, who has always had Jamie in his corner, now has him officially on his management team.

And, after plenty of wins in the US, he can hardly wait for his big homecoming in June – although he is refusing to look beyond his next bout at Madison Square Garden in New York on 12 May.

We're in the golden age of pro boxing now, according to @mickconlan11 & @JamieConlan11 – and they reckon Belfast's going to be home to plenty of world champions … @ryanburnett01 @RealCFrampton @paddyb_ireland ??

More here >>> https://t.co/67O1VpqLVw pic.twitter.com/THOkmTRkBX

— UTV (@utv) 2 May 2018 ” data-on-all-screens=”true” style=”box-sizing: border-box; word-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 1.875em 20px; margin-top: 1em; width: 740px; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: Reem, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;”>

On the subject of local boxing though, he is sure of one thing.

Success.

“We’re out of the golden age of Irish boxing as amateurs,” he said.

“I think now we’re on to the golden age in professional boxing.”

Mick Conlan will be fighting at the SSE Arena Belfast on 30 June. Credit: Pacemaker

It would be hard to argue, with Ryan Burnett already having earned his title and Carl Frampton looking like a good bet after recently picking up an interim belt.

“When I was growing up watching boxing, to see a fighter from this city become a Commonwealth champion or a British champion was held in so high esteem,” Jamie said.

“But now, we expect more and more world champions.

“It shows what we expect from our fighters and it shows the level we’re actually mixing at right now.”

He added: “We’ve got Ryan Burnett at the minute, but I wholly and truly believe Carl Frampton will become world champion before the end of the year.

“And I believe that, with the time and the right guidance and just kinda the opportunity, Paddy Barnes will become world champion by the end of the year.”

Jamie is also hopeful of his brother’s chances of continuing his run of successes as he builds on his already impressive progress since only making his professional debut on St Patrick’s Day last year.

And the Conlans both know the passion fans in Belfast have for quality boxing.

“I think Belfast is … It’s kind of a different animal to anywhere else in the world,” Mick said.

“The fans are so passionate and they know boxing – they know if you’re fighting someone who’s no good and they’re not gonna really give you any buzz about it.

“That’s why I’ve gotta make sure I’m taking a good step up in class against a quality opponent. Which will be revealed soon.”